Went from a $4.6 million deficit in 12-13 to a $2.4 million surplus in 13-14, including addressing critical needs in the 14-15 budget.

Reduced class sizes.

Refunded bonds, saving the community over $5 million.

Increased shared services revenue.

Developed additional partnerships with Independence Township.

Achieved our highest ever composite ACT scores.

Improved student achievement across the curriculum.

Implemented a new student information system.

Moved two schools out of Focus School status.

Had a former Focus School achieve Reward School status.

Adopted and implemented and new strategic plan.

Achieved an outstanding audit.

Teachers and administrators presented at international, state, and regional conferences and had articles published in books and newsletters.

Received word that Moodys removed negative financial outlook and increased the rating.

Received recognition from the National Board relative to Advanced Placement achievements.

Set a record for student participation in the PSAT.

Each Clarkston Community Schools' student is fully engaged in a globally focused education, from preschool through graduation, that fosters in her/him a sense of self, perspective, responsibility/ownership, and contribution.

Clarkston is a highly regarded school district with an enrollment of 8,100 students. Our 2003 Bond helped us reconfigure our grade level structure to serve students in more age-appropriate settings. We made a commitment to raise the academic bar to an even higher standard, while working to keep our youngsters from "growing up too fast." We now have seven elementary schools (K-5), one middle school serving grades 6-7, one junior high for grades 8-9, and Clarkston High School, which serves 10th-12th grade students.

Our high school facility includes state-of-the-art technology, a Performing Arts Center, Olympic-sized pool and top-notch athletic facilities. In 2006, we opened a brand new Early Childhood Center.

The school district has maintained a strong vision for the future, and even during these tough economic times, the district has continued to offer a rigorous curriculum and increase programs to better serve the community. Clarkston offers Full Day and Young Fives Kindergarten; an Advanced Studies program beginning in junior high; an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program at the high school level. Our Science, Math and Technology Academy (CSMTech) serves accepted 9th-12th grade students from around Oakland and neighboring counties, and we offer multiple Advanced Placement courses.

Rigorous, highly comprehensive curricular offerings enable our students to prepare for future success. Clarkston's reputation as an outstanding school district is well established: We have two national Blue Ribbon schools and six others have earned Michigan Exemplary Blue Ribbon school status; Clarkston was recently named as Forbes Magazine's Top Suburbs to Live Well, citing our graduation rates and class sizes; our MEAP scores and Education YES! grades are among the best in Oakland County; and last year alone, our graduates earned over $5 million in scholarships.

The 36-square-mile area surrounding the quaint village of Clarkston offers the beauty of country living with the conveniences of a modern city. With a wonderful Parks and Recreation department, as well as the county park (Independence Oaks) within its limits, Clarkston offers families ample leisure time activities.